ALL FIRED UP: Children raising their fists enthusiastically as they prepare to clean up Tabuan Jaya Neighbourhood Park during the My Beautiful Malaysia (MyBM) anti-drug programme yesterday. Some 100 students from SK Tabuan, SK Tabuan Ulu and SMK Tabuan Jaya armed themselves with brooms and dustpans as they took to the park in groups, removing stray pieces of rubbish and litter along the way.
KUCHING: Over 100 students from SK Tabuan, SK Tabuan Ulu and SMK Tabuan Jaya helped spruce up Tabuan Jaya Neighbourhood Park during the My Beautiful Malaysia (MyBM) anti-drug programme yesterday.
The students also pledged to join the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to keep Kuching free of drugs.
Kuching South Mayor Datuk James Chan said the solemn promise of the students meant they would keep themselves off drugs to preserve Malaysia as a beautiful country.
“I was made to understand the MyBM programme is also to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism among our people. In Japan and Korea, people are keen volunteers and I hope people of Kuching can emulate the spirit,” he said.
Chan pointed out that the Kuching South City Council has various community-based initiatives to engage young minds through healthy and productive activities.
He said this year’s Kuching Festival will include the Kuching’s Got Talent contest for the younger generation.
“You can dance and perform whatever skills you want. More importantly, attractive prizes await you all and this, I’m not bluffing. So come and take part in our programmes and stay away from drugs,” said Chan.
He said the festival in August would also see other sports-related contests including basketball, football and hockey.
Chan also promised to give priority to young people in applications for Kuching Festival stalls.
Chan launches an anti-drug billboard. At front second and third right are AADK state director Wan Madihi Wan Salleh and Temenggong Lu Kim Yong.
Members of the community get their health checked during the event.